miRNA-101 Targets TGF-βR1 to Retard the Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Critical role of exosome, exosomal non-coding RNAs and non-coding RNAs in head and neck cancer angiogenesis

Head and neck cancer (HNC) refers to the epithelial malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract. HNCs have a constant yet slow-growing rate with an unsatisfactory overall survival rate globally. The development of new blood vessels from existing blood conduits is regarded as angiogenesis, which is implicated in the growth, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Aberrant angiogenesis is a known contributor to human cancer progression. Representing a promising therapeutic target, the blockade of angiogenesis aids in the reduction of the tumor cells oxygen and nutrient supplies. Despite the promise, the association of existing anti-angiogenic approaches with severe side effects, elevated cancer regrowth rates, and limited survival advantages is incontrovertible. Exosomes appear to have an essential contribution to the support of vascular proliferation, the regulation of tumor growth, tumor invasion, and metastasis, as they are a key mediator of information transfer between cells. In the exocrine region, various types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) identified to be enriched and stable and contribute to the occurrence and progression of cancer. Mounting evidence suggest that exosome-derived ncRNAs are implicated in tumor angiogenesis. In this review, the characteristics of angiogenesis, particularly in HNC, and the impact of ncRNAs on HNC angiogenesis will be outlined. Besides, we aim to provide an insight on the regulatory role of exosomes and exosome-derived ncRNAs in angiogenesis in different types of HNC.

Upregulation of miR-519d-3p Inhibits Viability, Proliferation, and G1/S Cell Cycle Transition of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Through Targeting CCND1

Background: MicroRNA (miR)-519d-3p suppresses tumor development, however, its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has yet to be determined. Materials and Methods: OSCC and adjacent tissues were collected (n = 45 for adjacent; n = 21 for Stage I-II OSCC; n = 24 for Stage III-IV OSCC). The cell viability, proliferation, and cell cycle of OSCC were, respectively, assessed by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assay, and flow cytometry. Relative expressions of cell cycle-regulated proteins (Cyclin D1 [CCND1], CDK4, and CDK6) and miR-519d-3p were measured with Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction as needed. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the prediction of TargetScan that miR-519d-3p and CCND1 shared potential binding sites. Correlation analysis between miR-519d-3p and CCND1 was performed with Pearson's correlation test. Results: In OSCC tissues, downregulating miR-519d-3p expression correlated with a higher tumor grade. Upregulating miR-519d-3p expression inhibited OSCC cell viability and proliferation, increased cells in G0/G1 phase and reduced those in S/G2 phase, and downregulated the expressions of cell cycle-related protein (CDK4, CDK6). CCND1 was the target gene of miR-519d-3p, and overexpressed CCND1 reversed the effects of upregulation of miR-519d-3p on suppressing the viability, proliferation, and cell cycle of OSCC cells. Conclusions: miR-519d-3p upregulation suppressed the cell viability, proliferation, and G1/S cell cycle transition of OSCC through targeting CCND1. The current findings provide a possible clinical option for OSCC treatment.

From LncRNA to metastasis: The MALAT1-EMT axis in cancer progression

Cancer is a complex disease that causes abnormal genetic changes and unchecked cellular growth. It also causes a disruption in the normal regulatory processes that leads to the creation of malignant tissue. The complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and epigenetic variables influences its etiology. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal contributors within the intricate landscape of cancer biology, orchestrating an array of multifaceted cellular processes that substantiate the processes of carcinogenesis and metastasis. Metastasis is a crucial driver of cancer mortality. Among these, MALAT1 (Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1) has drawn a lot of interest for its function in encouraging metastasis via controlling the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) procedure. MALAT1 exerts a pivotal influence on the process of EMT, thereby promoting metastasis to distant organs. The mechanistic underpinning of this phenomenon involves the orchestration of an intricate regulatory network encompassing transcription factors, signalling cascades, and genes intricately associated with the EMT process by MALAT1. Its crucial function in transforming tumor cells into an aggressive phenotype is highlighted by its capacity to influence the expression of essential EMT effectors such as N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and Snail. An understanding of the MALAT1-EMT axis provides potential therapeutic approaches for cancer intervention. Targeting MALAT1 or its downstream EMT effectors may reduce the spread of metastatic disease and improve the effectiveness of already available therapies. Understanding the MALAT1-EMT axis holds significant clinical implications. Therefore, directing attention towards MALAT1 or its downstream mediators could present innovative therapeutic strategies for mitigating metastasis and improving patient prognosis. This study highlights the importance of MALAT1 in cancer biology and its potential for cutting back on metastatic disease with novel treatment strategies.

Intricate confrontation: Research progress and application potential of TRIM family proteins in tumor immune escape

BACKGROUND

Tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins have more than 80 members and are widely found in various eukaryotic cells. Most TRIM family proteins participate in the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation system as E3-ubiquitin ligases; therefore, they play pivotal regulatory roles in the occurrence and development of tumors, including tumor immune escape. Due to the diversity of functional domains of TRIM family proteins, they can extensively participate in multiple signaling pathways of tumor immune escape through different substrates. In current research and clinical contexts, immune escape has become an urgent problem. The extensive participation of TRIM family proteins in curing tumors or preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis makes them promising targets.

AIM OF REVIEW

The aim of the review is to make up for the gap in the current research on TRIM family proteins and tumor immune escape and propose future development directions according to the current progress and problems.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

This up-to-date review summarizes the characteristics and biological functions of TRIM family proteins, discusses the mechanisms of TRIM family proteins involved in tumor immune escape, and highlights the specific mechanism from the level of structure-function-molecule-pathway-phenotype, including mechanisms at the level of protein domains and functions, at the level of molecules and signaling pathways, and at the level of cells and microenvironments. We also discuss the application potential of TRIM family proteins in tumor immunotherapy, such as possible treatment strategies for combination targeting TRIM family protein drugs and checkpoint inhibitors for improving cancer treatment.

MiRNA-related metastasis in oral cancer: moving and shaking

Across the world, oral cancer is a prevalent tumor. Over the years, both its mortality and incidence have grown. Oral cancer metastasis is a complex process involving cell invasion, migration, proliferation, and egress from cancer tissue either by lymphatic vessels or blood vessels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential short non-coding RNAs, which can act either as tumor suppressors or as oncogenes to control cancer development. Cancer metastasis is a multi-step process, in which miRNAs can inhibit or stimulate metastasis at all stages, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, and colonization, by targeting critical genes in these pathways. On the other hand, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), two different types of non-coding RNAs, can regulate cancer metastasis by affecting gene expression through cross-talk with miRNAs. We reviewed the scientific literature (Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed) for the period 2000-2023 to find reports concerning miRNAs and lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks, which control the spread of oral cancer cells by affecting invasion, migration, and metastasis. According to these reports, miRNAs are involved in the regulation of metastasis pathways either by directly or indirectly targeting genes associated with metastasis. Moreover, circRNAs and lncRNAs can induce or suppress oral cancer metastasis by acting as competing endogenous RNAs to inhibit the effect of miRNA suppression on specific mRNAs. Overall, non-coding RNAs (especially miRNAs) could help to create innovative therapeutic methods for the control of oral cancer metastases.

Relevance of micro-RNAs and their targets as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) ranks sixth among all cancers in the world, affecting various sites of the oral cavity with associated several risk factors. High mortality has been associated with the presence of metastasis during the time of diagnosis and an increase in therapeutic relapses. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs with salient roles in the initiation and progression of cancer. The tumorigenesis of OSCC is associated with the dysregulation of several miRNAs. MicroRNAs are an area of recent interest, and numerous studies have been reported and are being undertaken to identify their role in diagnostic and prognostic value for oral cancers. Most of the miRNA processing machinery is considered to be either up-/down-regulated in OSCC, but the underlying mechanism of miRNA dysregulation and their activity as either a tumour suppressor or an oncogene in oral carcinogenesis is not yet clear. The article presents a concise review of the available current literature regarding the various miRNAs' signatures in OSCC and their role as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers.

HMGA2 regulation by miRNAs in cancer: affecting cancer hallmarks and therapy response

High mobility group A 2 (HMGA2) is a protein that modulates the structure of chromatin in the nucleus. Importantly, aberrant expression of HMGA2 occurs during carcinogenesis, and this protein is an upstream mediator of cancer hallmarks including evasion of apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. HMGA2 targets critical signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin and mTOR in cancer cells. Therefore, suppression of HMGA2 function notably decreases cancer progression and improves outcome in patients. As HMGA2 is mainly oncogenic, targeting expression by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is crucial to take into consideration since it affects HMGA2 function. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to ncRNAs and are master regulators of vital cell processes, which affect all aspects of cancer hallmarks. Long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), other members of ncRNAs, are upstream mediators of miRNAs. The current review intends to discuss the importance of the miRNA/HMGA2 axis in modulation of various types of cancer, and mentions lncRNAs and circRNAs, which regulate this axis as upstream mediators. Finally, we discuss the effect of miRNAs and HMGA2 interactions on the response of cancer cells to therapy. Regarding the critical role of HMGA2 in regulation of critical signaling pathways in cancer cells, and considering the confirmed interaction between HMGA2 and one of the master regulators of cancer, miRNAs, targeting miRNA/HMGA2 axis in cancer therapy is promising and this could be the subject of future clinical trial experiments.

Promising Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer: The Most Clinically Important miRNAs

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors that extend from the oral cavity to the upper gastrointestinal tract. The principal etiologic factors for oral tumors include tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption, while human papillomavirus (HPV) infections have been accused of a high incidence of pharyngeal tumors. Accordingly, HPV detection has been extensively used to categorize carcinomas of the head and neck. The diverse nature of HNC highlights the necessity for novel, sensitive, and precise biomarkers for the prompt diagnosis of the disease, its successful monitoring, and the timely prognosis of patient clinical outcomes. In this context, the identification of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) and/or the detection of alterations in their expression patterns, in a variety of somatic fluids and tissues, could serve as valuable biomarkers for precision oncology. In the present review, we summarize some of the most frequently studied miRNAs (including miR-21, -375, -99, -34a, -200, -31, -125a/b, -196a/b, -9, -181a, -155, -146a, -23a, -16, -29, and let-7), their role as biomarkers, and their implication in HNC pathogenesis. Moreover, we designate the potential of given miRNAs and miRNA signatures as novel diagnostic and prognostic tools for successful patient stratification. Finally, we discuss the currently ongoing clinical trials that aim to identify the diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic utility of miRNAs in HNC.

Mir-29a Promotes the Migration of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a tumor in the oral cavity and around oral mucosa. Mir-29a level was differentially expressed in OSCC patients. However, whether its exact role and function in OSCC remains to be further elucidated. Our study investigated the effect of Mir-29a on the migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (OSCCs). Mir-29a level was measured in OSCCs and BMSCs by real-time quantitative PCR and its relationship with Panc-1 was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene. After up-regulation of Mir-29a or treatment with Panc-1 siRNA, BMSCs migration to OSCCs was assessed by transwell assay and Panc-1 and Mir-29a were measure. Mir-29a level was downregualted in OSCCs and Panc-1 was upregulated in BMSCs. Panc-1 and Mir-29a was negatively correlated and Mir-29a could bind and target Panc-1. Down-regulation of Panc-1 inhibited the migration of BMSCs to OSCCs and elevated Mir-29a level promoted cell migration. After co-transfection of Mir-29a inhibitor and Panc-1 siRNA, the inhibited cell migration function can be restored. In conclusion, Mir-29a promotes the migration of BMSCs to OSCCs through targeting Panc-1.

Research progress and clinical application prospects of miRNAs in oral cancer

Oral cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, and it is also one of the most important and difficult clinical problems to be solved. Due to the regional differences in diet culture, some areas have taken the 'hardest hit' of oral cancer cases. However, the existing clinical treatment methods (surgery as the main treatment method, radiotherapy and chemotherapy as the auxiliary ones) do not have satisfactory treatment effects; therefore, new diagnosis and treatment methods need to be developed and utilized. Micro RNAs (miRNAs), as a class of substances that play an important regulatory role in the development of tumors, have an important value in the diagnosis and treatment of various tumors. At the same time, many miRNAs have obvious expression differences in oral cancer tissues compared to normal tissues. Therefore, they may have diagnostic and therapeutic effects on oral cancer. In this review, we evaluate the miRNAs that play a regulatory role in the development of oral cancer and those that are expected to be applied in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer. At the same time, we summarize the important challenges that need to be addressed, aiming to provide evidence and suggestions for the application of miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer.

Co-Culture of MSCs with miR-496 Prompts Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transformation of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)

This study discusses the molecular mechanism of co-culture of MSCs with miR-496 in the EMT of OSCC. miR-496 expression in OSCC tissues and cells was detected by qRT-PCR. The MSCs+si-NC, MSCs+pc-DNA-NC, MSCs+si-miR-496, MSCs+pc-DNA-miR-496 was transfected into SCC-PKUs to analyze cell apoptosis, proliferation and clone formation as well as the expression of proteins related with EMT. miR-496 in OSCC tissues was elevated and positively related with the clinical stage of OSCC patients. The cell activity and invasive ability of SCC-PKU was increased after co-culture of MSCs and pc-DNA-miR-496 along with increased expression of EMT-related proteins. However, all above changes were reversed after treatment with MSCs and si-miR-496. In conclusion, co-culture of MSCs and miR-495 prompts the occurrence and development of OSCC through regulating EMT processes, indicating that they might be novel targets for the treatment of OSCC.

miR-653 Induces Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Proliferation via Activating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This study intends to assess miR-653’s expression in MSCs and OSCC and discuss molecular biological mechanism of changes of EMT in MSCs through activating miR-653 in OSCC. miR-653 expression in MSCs and OSCC was detected. si-miR-653 was transfected into MSCs followed by analysis of cell proliferation by CCK-8 and clone formation assay, cell apoptosis and cycle by FCM, and the changes of transcription factor as ZEB1 and Snail by qRT-PCR. miR-653 expression in OSCC cell was up-regulated significantly from the result of q-RT-PCR detection. The proliferation of MSCs induced by miR-653 was restrained and apoptotic rate was increased after treatment with si-miR-653 along with stagnated cycle of G1/G0 staging cell. The expression of transcription factor of EMT type as ZEB1 and Snail was elevated significantly after intervention using si-miR-653. In conclusion, the proliferation of OSCC could be induced by MSCs through activation with miR-653 which might be through regulation of EMT process.

Dihydroartemisinin represses oral squamous cell carcinoma progression through downregulating mitochondrial calcium uniporter

Dysregulation of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) exerts a carcinogenic effect in several cancers. Nevertheless, the roles of MCU in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain elusive. It has been reported that dihydroartemisinin (DHA) may suppress the progression of OSCC but its associated mechanisms have not been investigated. The purpose of our research was to observe the biological function of MCU on OSCC and its regulatory relationship with DHA. MCU, MICU1, MICU2, N-cadherin, TGF-β and vimentin expression was detected in OSCC and peritumoral tissues by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Following DHA treatment, the expression of the aforementioned proteins was detected in CAL-27 cells transfected with shMCU or pcDNA3.1-MCU by Western blot or immunofluorescence. Furthermore, clone formation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), wound healing and transwell assays were presented in CAL-27 cells treated with DHA, shMCU or pcDNA3.1-MCU. Our results showed that the members of MCU complex (MCU, MICU1 and MICU2) were overexpressed in OSCC than peritumoral tissues. Furthermore, TGF-β and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins (N-cadherin and vimentin) exhibited higher expression in OSCC. DHA treatment significantly lowered the expression of MCU in CAL-27 cells. MCU overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of DHA on MICU1, MICU2, N-cadherin, TGF-β and vimentin. MCU knockdown or DHA suppressed proliferation, MMP and migration of CAL-27 cells. DHA treatment could reverse the effects of MCU overexpression. Collectively, our study demonstrated that MCU was an oncogene of OSCC and DHA exerted a suppressive role on proliferation and migration of OSCC cells by suppressing MCU expression.

Regulation of transforming growth factor-beta1 by circANKS1B/miR-515-5p affects the metastatic potential and cisplatin resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral cancer, with an increasing worldwide incidence and a worsening prognosis. Emerging evidence confirms that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a critical role in tumor progression via sponging miRNAs. A previous study substantiated the function of circANKS1B in several cancers. However, its role in OSCC remains unclear. This study revealed the high expression of circANKS1B in OSCC tissues and cells. Moreover, the expression level of circANKS1B was highly positively correlated with the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) in OSCC tissues. Additionally, overexpression of circANKS1B enhanced the protein expression of TGF-β1 in OSCC cells, while its inhibition reduced TGF-β1 protein levels. Noticeably, the loss-function of circANKS1B restrained OSCC cell invasion, migration, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) by decreasing N-cadherin expression and enhancing E-cadherin expression. Furthermore, the knockdown of circANKS1B sensitized OSCC cells to cisplatin by suppressing cell viability and increasing cell apoptosis and caspase-3 activity. Mechanically, bioinformation software (circinteractome and starBase 3.0) and dual-luciferase reporter assays corroborated that circANKS1B could sponge miR-515-5p. Moreover, miR-515-5p could directly target TGF-β1 to suppress its expression. Importantly, inhibition of miR-515-5p or supplementation with TGF-β1 overturned the effects of circANKS1B knockdown on cell invasion, migration, and cisplatin resistance. Thus, these findings highlight that circANKS1B might act as an oncogenic gene to facilitate the metastatic potential and cisplatin resistance in OSCC by sponging miR-515-5p to regulate TGF-β1. Collectively, circANKS1B may be a promising target for therapy and overcoming chemoresistance in OSCC.

MiR-32-5p promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells via regulating the KLF2/CXCR4 pathway

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common carcinomas of the oral cavity. However, the regulatory mechanisms on miR-32-5p remain poorly understood in OSCC. The expression of miR-32-5p, Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins (E-cadherin, Vimentin, N-cadherin, and Snail) were evaluated were assessed using RT-qPCR and Western blot. 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazolyl2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were employed to detect cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells. Finally, dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the binding relationship between KLF2 and miR-32-5p. MiR-32-5p was highly expressed while KLF2 was lowly expressed in OSCC cells, and miR-32-5p knockdown or KLF2 overexpression could markedly reduce cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of OSCC cells. What is more, KLF2 was the target of miR-32-5p, and knockdown of KLF2 abolished the inhibitory effect of miR-32-5p inhibitor on progression of OSCC. Finally, CXCR4 expression was negatively regulated by KLF2, and inhibition of CXCR4 obviously alleviated the biological effects of si-KLF2 on the progression of OSCC. MiR-32-5p could enhance cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of OSCC cells, and the discovery of miR-32-5p/KLF2/CXCR4 axis might provide potential therapeutic targets for OSCC.

Lack of Conserved miRNA Deregulation in HPV-Induced Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in the anogenital and head and neck regions are associated with high-risk types of human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV). Deregulation of miRNA expression is an important contributor to carcinogenesis. This study aimed to pinpoint commonly and uniquely deregulated miRNAs in cervical, anal, vulvar, and tonsillar tumors of viral or non-viral etiology, searching for a common set of deregulated miRNAs linked to HPV-induced carcinogenesis. RNA was extracted from tumors and nonmalignant tissues from the same locations. The miRNA expression level was determined by next-generation sequencing. Differential expression of miRNAs was calculated, and the patterns of miRNA deregulation were compared between tumors. The total of deregulated miRNAs varied between tumors of different locations by two orders of magnitude, ranging from 1 to 282. The deregulated miRNA pool was largely tumor-specific. In tumors of the same location, a low proportion of miRNAs were exclusively deregulated and no deregulated miRNA was shared by all four types of HPV-positive tumors. The most significant overlap of deregulated miRNAs was found between tumors which differed in location and HPV status (HPV-positive cervical tumors vs. HPV-negative vulvar tumors). Our results imply that HPV infection does not elicit a conserved miRNA deregulation in SCCs.